In a heartfelt article for The Player’s Tribune, former WWE Champion Big E reflected on his decade-long journey with The New Day. Known for their charisma, humor, and undeniable chemistry, The New Day became one of the most successful factions in WWE history. However, their rise to stardom wasn’t without challenges, including moments of doubt—even over segments that would go on to resonate deeply with fans.
When The New Day first debuted, their upbeat, gospel-inspired gimmick failed to connect with audiences. Fans rejected their positivity, and the group quickly turned heel, a move that gave them the freedom to experiment and inject their own personalities into their act.
As Big E explained, this period of villainy became a creative playground for the trio: “We started to throw our own experiences into the group. Some of my favorite things we did during that period were around stuff that just, like, made us laugh.”
One such moment came from a viral internet sensation: the “Do it for the Vine” video. In the clip, a young Black girl dances while someone off-screen encourages her to perform, only for her to repeatedly quip, “I ain’t gon’ do it.” This small piece of pop culture struck a chord with Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods.
The New Day put their unique twist on the viral phrase, turning it into “Do it for the Day—I ain’t gon’ do it.” It became an in-joke between the trio, but they decided to bring it to WWE programming. Big E admitted he initially doubted how such a niche cultural reference would land with wrestling fans. To their surprise, the segment not only connected with audiences but also helped solidify their shift back to being beloved babyfaces.
“It was just this tiny piece of culture that resonated with us,” Big E wrote. “And I think what we started to realize is how many wrestling fans this stuff resonated with too. So many, in fact, that they turned us right back into babyfaces.”
The New Day’s ability to weave pieces of their own culture and humor into their act became a hallmark of their success. Fans gravitated toward the authenticity and fun that Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods brought to WWE television. Their evolution from polarizing heels to crowd favorites proved how important it was for the group to stay true to themselves.
Big E also highlighted other iconic moments that defined The New Day’s legacy, including their unforgettable entrance at WrestleMania 32. Dressed as characters from Dragon Ball Z, the trio emerged from a giant box of Booty-O’s cereal, epitomizing their love for pop culture and larger-than-life entertainment.
As The New Day celebrates over ten years together, their journey stands as a testament to the power of creative freedom and authenticity. What began as a rocky start transformed into a story of resilience, culminating in numerous tag team championships, individual accolades, and unforgettable moments.
Big E’s reflection on the “Do it for the Day” segment serves as a reminder that even the smallest, seemingly inconsequential ideas can leave a lasting impact when they come from a genuine place.
For fans of The New Day, these moments aren’t just entertaining—they’re a celebration of culture, humor, and the unbreakable bond between three of WWE’s most beloved superstars.